Gravitational lensing is caused by ____.
A) refraction of light through hot intracluster gas
B) stimulated emission of light passing through dark matter
C) acceleration of photons by supermassive black holes
D) scattering of photons off of thin intergalactic dust
E) bending of light rays due to the curvature of space-time around a mass

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gravitational lensing occurs when the gravitational field of a massive object, such as a galaxy or a black hole, warps the fabric of space-time, causing light rays passing near the object to bend. This effect is predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes how mass and energy can curve space-time, leading to the bending of light rays that pass through this curved space-time.

Gravitational Lensing Is Caused by ____